The annual Pension Pension Prevention Association (APOP) survey, released in March, showed 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in America to be classified as overweight or obese.

"We see more dogs and cats falling into the obesity sector, which is where our greatest threat is," said Dr Rory. Ernie Ward, an expert from North Carolina who established APOP in 2005. "We are meeting more diseases-related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, diabetes, cancers and cancer." kidney disease. "

The organization collects statistics by collecting scores of body condition (which is the same as cat-and-cat's to show body mass of people) of pets who visit its examiner. a general fitness test on a special day in October. 1,560 dogs and 646 cats in 41 states were assessed for the most recent survey.

Whatever the numbers, there is little doubt that there are many pets – just like many of their owners – pack too many notes.

"Our pets are suffering a lot when they are overweight," said Dr Deborah Linder, head of Cliona Obesity University of Animals for Animals in North Grafton, Massachusetts. "Not that pet is a pet pet, their lives go down, but it can grow again when we get a weight."

If your pet does not want to jump in the scale, Linder said that there is a simple test for weight problems.

“If you are feeling over the back of your hand, that's just as you need your sister's murder,” she said. "They should have no more fat than the back of your hand. If you do, you should speak to your vet."

The first thing the doctor should tell you, Ward said, is that food is not as popular.

"We have emotional connection with food just for the human species," he said. "Champagne with celebrations, birthday cakes, holiday turkeys. We naturally give our pets that context, but they don't mark a anniversary.

At Tufts clinic, Linder encourages owners to find ways to connect with their pets and show love that don't always bring in food.

"Do you think your pet needs to be happy with lots of calories?" She said. “We need to do something with our pets that cause weight but it doesn't rejoice in their friendship.” T

Just like humans, diets have to reduce calories, but not feed. And just as it is for people, it's not easy.

"You'll be amazed at what the science is about," said Ward. “We can provide protein levels, fat levels, levels of carbohydrate, fiber and add more things to it. There are lots of luxurious activities that the vet is available to help. "

A Ward recommends what it calls "parallel solutions" which benefit one's best person and friend.

“Lots of these things are all you should be thinking of yourself too,” he said. “If you change how often you walk your dog, both of you will. If we raise an awareness of how we feed the dog or our cat, we may become more aware of our own eating habits. "

The award can be more than a year of friendship.

In a major survey published in 2002, two Labrador subscribers were monitored all their lives, with the team eating less than two years ago. More recently, the 2018 survey of 12 common breed dogs found that ordinary live dogs live five months to 2.5 years longer than those who are overweight.

"There's a lot more time with your pet if you keep them on," said Linder.

Ward said that there is a lack of progress in trying to combat the obesity of pets, "but he is still hopeful."

“When I started here 15 years ago he was kind to laugh,” he said. "People said" Look at Garfield eating everything. "

“But we have changed the language. More people are seeing this as a risk, a disease that steals a year of their lives causing and causes pain and suffering. hope. "

The News American Association News covers heart and brain health. Some of the opinions expressed in this story do not reflect the official position of the American Heart Foundation. Copyright is the copyright of the American Heart Association, Inc. and all rights are reserved. If you have any questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org.